Court to pronounce verdict in Thane blasts case today

The sessions court is expected to pronounce its verdict in the 2008 Thane blasts case on Monday. The anti-terrorism squad (ATS) arrested six people who allegedly belonged to a Hindu group, Sanatan Sanstha.

The sessions court is expected to pronounce its verdict in the 2008 Thane blasts case on Monday. The anti-terrorism squad (ATS) arrested six people who allegedly belonged to a Hindu group, Sanatan Sanstha.

The ATS had arrested six persons—Ramesh Gadkari, 50, Mangesh Nikam, 34, Santosh Angre, 26, Dr Hemant Chalke, Vikram Bhave, 26, and Hari Divekar in connection with the blasts. They allegedly carried out strikes in two auditoria and a movie theatre in Thane, Vashi and Panvel in which seven people were injured.

Accused of conspiracy and planting bombs, the six men were charged with criminal conspiracy, attempt to murder and under various sections of the Indian Penal Code as well as the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, Explosive Substances Act and the Arms Act.

In all, 105 witnesses have been examined so far, with three eyewitnesses claiming to have seen the accused at the spot when the bomb exploded. Soon after the draft charges were framed in January 2009, all the accused had pleaded not guilty.

On June 4, 2008, a bomb exploded in the parking lot of Gadkari Rangayatan theatre in Thane, injuring seven people. The Hindu revivalist group, had protested against a play, Amhi Pachpute, which was going to be staged at the theatre. The group said it portrayed Gods and Goddesses in poor light.

On May 31, 2008, a bomb had exploded at Vishnu Bhave Auditorium in Vashi. On February 20, 2008, a bomb was found at Cineraj cinema hall in Panvel.